Puppy bite - infected finger?

[kauri25]

Hi. It must have been a really minor nip because I didn’t register it but my finger has swelled a bit and it’s red, tight and uncomfortable. I looked on the NHS website about animal bites and it says to get medical help ASAP if you think the wound is infected. I can’t actually see any wound but I’ve got signs of infection. Can I just keep a watchful eye on the swelling for now? I’ve taken ibuprofen (to reduce the swelling?) and I’ve got an ice pack on it. I feel fine apart from the sore finger!

Draw a line around it to see if it is tracking, then if you need further advice ring 111

I had to get antibiotics for a puppy bite that got infected. Try to bathe it in warm salt water to kill off the infection

How up to date is your tetanus?

Thanks for that advice. I think my tetanus is up to date - I had the NHS (over 40?) health check about a year ago and I’m pretty sure the nurse checked.

The swelling hasn’t increased - if anything it’s gone down a bit after the ice treatment

Is the skin broken?

I can’t see that the skin is broken Torvean. A day later the finger is a bit swollen but the main thing is a dark bruise on the top two thirds of the finger extending nearly round it. It’s uncomfortable but not painful.